Menu of Isolano Trattoria in Reservoir, Victoria, Australia

Menu Overview

Isolano Trattoria, nestled at 26 Gertz Ave in Reservoir, VIC, is a shining beacon of authentic Italian island cuisine. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear this isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a heartfelt celebration of Sardinian and Sicilian culinary traditions, served with genuine warmth and simplicity. The homely atmosphere and attentive, personalized service make dining here feel like a gathering among friends.

The menu at Isolano Trattoria is a living, breathing entity, changing weekly under the skilled hand of chef-owners deeply rooted in their heritage. There’s no ordinary menu card—you surrender to a thoughtfully crafted degustation journey, where each course is a revelation. This fluid approach ensures ingredients are fresh and seasonal, promising a genuine taste of regional Italy with every visit.

The antipasti set the tone beautifully. Comforting chicken stock soup warms your palate with subtlety, leading to tender quail and veal meatballs seasoned with fennel—a subtle aniseed kiss that hints at island flavors. The charcuterie board features house-made cured meats matched perfectly with Sicilian olives that are bright, lightly salted, and fresh roasted peppers. The contrast of textures, from juicy corn to crusty bread, enchants the senses. Equally memorable are the crumbed fennel, rice, and potato patties—delicately crispy yet soft inside—and the braised cabbage paired with pork and fennel sausage, rich with peppery complexity.

Wild barramundi stars in the mains, cooked flawlessly to maintain its delicate flakiness with a crisp skin that crisps just right under a drizzle of lemon and olive oil. Accompanied by crisp asparagus and an impeccably dressed Caesar salad, this dish encapsulates balanced refinement. The seafood pasta is a masterstroke—packed with mussels, prawns, calamari, and a robust crab stock that delivers depth and a gentle spicy note, enriching every bite of the tender pasta.

Perhaps the highlight is the entrée trio: creamed silverbeet, succulent deboned quail, and intensely flavored pork belly. Each component speaks to culinary craftsmanship, transforming humble ingredients into layers of texture and flavor that linger. The veal scallopini, served with bok choy and fluffy potatoes in a rich jus, further showcases the kitchen’s finesse, with perfectly tender meat infused with savory wine notes.

To finish, the Bombe Alaska is a decadent symphony—a generous slice layered with Italian meringue, panettone, chocolate, cassata, and pistachio ice cream. It’s a satisfying contrast of temperatures and textures that rounds out a memorable meal. Paired with coffee, the experience feels complete, like savoring a warm embrace from an Italian family.

Isolano Trattoria transcends the typical Italian dining experience. It’s humble yet meticulous, familial yet professional, and always passionately regional. This is a place where food is crafted not just to satisfy hunger, but to tell a story—one of tradition, locality, and love for the craft. If you seek authentic island flavors wrapped in warm hospitality, Isolano Trattoria is truly a gem worth discovering in Melbourne’s diverse dining scene.

Note: It’s best to book ahead, as the intimate space fills quickly, reflecting its well-deserved local acclaim. Also, a small tip: the water is charged per jug, but every other aspect—from food to service—is pure value.